Tu-154M – RA-85640, Donavia (Aeroflot) 1/200

JC2735 (XX2735) is this superb 1/200 scale diecast model by JC Wings of the Tupolev Tu-154M RA-85640 in the attractive livery of Donavia, which was an Aeroflot subsidiary airline. Highly detailed, rare and extremely collectable. Limited edition run of only 180 pieces, now sold out everywhere.

Length 9.5 inches Wingspan 7.5 inches

JC Wings models are very fine diecast models in 1/200 scale. They are ready made in solid diecast metal and do not need any paint or glue. Each model is a true miniature representation of the real aircraft.

MAIN FEATURES ARE:
Rolling rubber tyres
Printed graphics (Not Decals)
Diecast with the absolute minimum of plastic parts
Highly accurate features such as raised antennas
Nicely packaged
Very low production run of only 180, which adds to the collectability

JSC “Donavia” (Russian: ОАО «Донавиа»), later Aeroflot-Don (Russian: ОАО «Аэрофлот-Дон»), was an Aeroflot subsidiary airline based in Rostov-on-Don, Russia. Its main bases were Rostov-on-Don Airport and Mineralnye Vody Airport after the Kavminvodyavia bankruptcy. In spring 2016, its operations have been merged into sister company Rossiya.

The Tu-154 was developed to replace the turbojet powered Tupolev Tu-104, plus the An-10 and Il-18 turboprops. Design criteria in replacing these three relatively diverse aircraft included the ability to operate from gravel or packed earth airfields, to be able to fly at high altitudes above most Soviet Union air traffic, and good field performance. To meet these aims the initial Tu-154 design featured three Kuznetsov (now KKBM) NK-8 turbofans (which also powered the larger, longer range Il-62) giving a relatively good thrust to weight ratio, triple bogie main undercarriage units which retract into wing pods and a rear engine T-tail configuration.

The Tu-154 first flew on October 4 1968. The first production example was delivered to Aeroflot in early 1971, although regular commercial service did not begin until February 1972. It was the mainstay ‘workhorse’ of Soviet/Russian airlines for several decades. It serviced over a sixth of the world’s landmass and carried half of all passengers flown by Aeroflot and its subsidiaries. Capable of operating from unpaved and gravel airfields, it was widely used in extreme Arctic conditions of Russia’s northern and eastern regions where other airliners were unable to operate and where service facilities were very basic. In January 2010, Aeroflot announced the retirement of its Tu-154 fleet after 40 years service.